§ Ms OsborneTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent arrangements he has made to ensure that emergency services adopt safe driving procedures. [119207]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThis is an operational matter for the police service, the ambulance service and the fire service. The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) reviewed training arrangements in their Police Pursuit Driving Training report of September 1998. The report has been accepted in principle by all of the 43 police forces in England and Wales and its recommendations are being taken forward on a national basis.
Under the Fire Services Act 1947, it is the duty of each fire authority to provide the efficient training of the members of the fire brigade taking account of Home Office guidance and local circumstances.
I understand that drivers of emergency ambulances are required to undertake a two-week practical and theoretical training course. This arrangement has been in place since the 1970s and driving standards are assessed by specially trained driving instructors.